The line graph illustrates the total number of new graduates in the UK between 1992 and 2002, while the bar chart details the distribution of these graduates across five employment sectors.
Overall, the number of graduates peaked in 1997 before declining by 2002. Simultaneously, the professional sector experienced a consistent downward trend, whereas roles in clerical, secretarial, and sales areas saw notable growth.
In 1992, there were 165,000 new graduates, a figure that rose to 195,000 by 1997, before falling to 180,000 in 2002. Regarding employment, the professional sector was the most popular choice, accounting for 59% of graduates in 1992. However, this proportion dropped steadily to 49% in 1997 and further to 42% by 2002.
Conversely, the clerical and secretarial sector grew from 9% in 1992 to 19.5% in 2002. Similarly, the sales sector, which had no recorded graduate employment in 1992, rose to 5% in 1997 and reached 11% by 2002. Managerial and administrative roles remained relatively stable, hovering around 18.5% to 20% throughout the period, while the 'other' category saw a marginal increase from 8% to 9%.